Decrease milk supply

Sharon - posted on 07/01/2009

Hi Ashley, I struggled with my milk supply, too. I think the number one thing to keep in mind is sleep and stress can greatly affect your supply. Are you sleeping enough? Have you ever tried using fenugreek. It's an herb that smells like maple syrup. You can find it at GNC. I used it whenever extra pumping sessions and sleep didn't help. Good luck. Don't give up. Sharon

Dana - posted on 07/01/2009

I used to drink mother's milk tea and I didn't notice a huge difference. Now about 4 or 5 months later I'm taking fenugreek b/c my breasts didn't feel as full as they used too. It seems to be working so far. I heard you'll smell like maple syrup and it's true sometimes I get a faint whiff. Weird, I just hope I don't attract bees.

Ashley - posted on 07/01/2009

Well, I guess it seems pretty common and as long as we keep going it won't go away completely. I haven't started my period yet but I'm sure it's right around the corner. Hopefully that doesn't make it worse. Maybe it's just our bodies saying, ok, they don't need this much since they're getting ready to start regular food. I'm going to try the oatmeal, and supplements and see if they help. Thanks for the imput, its nice to hear that I'm not the only one!

Amy - posted on 07/01/2009

I was wondering about the same thing. My son is 5 mths and my supply seems to have dropped. I eat oatmeal, drink mother's milk tea, take fenugreek and blessed thistle, and I still have seen a decrease. I try to make sure I am drinking enough and eating enough. I did start my period last month and I noticed the biggest drop during my period. I just take a day or two and make sur to nurse, nurse, nurse... Sometimes I pump AFTER a nursing session just or extra stimulation. I also noticed a drop since he is sleeping more during the night... I feel stressed about it, but we just keep going... It is best for him!!

Shawna - posted on 06/30/2009

Has your period come back yet? That seems to be a major factor in supply drop. You can also try adding another pumping session during the day. You will still have enough milk, since you can never fully empty your breast. Have you looked into the mother's milk tea, or fenugreek pills? I ate oatmeal every morning and it helped increase my supply.http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumpi...

Guggie - posted on 06/30/2009

Yes I'll add another one for the 'normal' side. I used to get several ounces easily when pumping. But at 6 months, it became harder...and dropped down to barely 3 ounces. Then a few weeks ago I needed to pump for school...and I was getting barely 2 ounces. Very sad.



I think the nursing relationship is just so well established that a pump doesn't work the same as the baby. Our body is saying, 'what the heck is that thing?" lol



My freezer stash is almost nonexistant and I totally get your fear. Don't forget that you can buy human milk too. Or even get it donated. In my hour of fear, I even went to ebay and found an auction! motheringdotcom/discussions has a forum where you can ask local ladies for help. The WHO recommends donated milk before formula.

Breanne - posted on 06/30/2009

I think it's normal, I went though a similar thing when I started solids. I just kept breastfeeding him and he'll bring your supply up if he wants/neeeds more. I did the whole eating oatmeal thing too and I hear fenugreek is a great herb to take to increase supple. I know I make a lot for him now but I still can't pump much, I even have a high end medela. Keep your diet healthy and keep doing what you're doing. It'll get better.

Paneer - posted on 06/30/2009

I had the same problem too. When my daughter at 6 month old and when started to give her solid food, my supply started to decrease slowly to 3 ouns. I consume supplements to increase it back. I took domperidone, milk maid tea. I also had oatmeal every morning. Also consume a plenty of water as well. And now my flow back to normal, my gal satisfied with the amount she's getting now.